**Omar Artan Appointed to Referee UEFA Super Cup After World Cup Disqualification**
Somali referee Omar Artan, who recently faced a setback when he was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, has been appointed to referee the upcoming UEFA Super Cup. The match, scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, will feature Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning Champions League winners, against Aston Villa, who triumphed in the Europa League.
Artan's appointment comes after discussions between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan, calling him an "excellent young but already experienced referee" who has demonstrated his capabilities at the highest levels of African football. Ceferin emphasized the importance of football as a unifying force and expressed gratitude to CAF President Patrice Motsepe for his support in Artan's nomination.
The 2025 CAF Men's Referee of the Year, Artan has been on FIFA's international officiating list since 2018. His recent experience and recognition have positioned him as a prominent figure in the officiating community. However, his path to the World Cup was abruptly halted when he was turned away by U.S. border officials in Miami, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid visa.
According to a U.S. government official, Artan was denied entry due to his "association with suspected members of terror organizations." This situation arose in the context of a travel ban imposed by former President Donald Trump, which affected several countries, including Somalia. Following discussions with U.S. authorities, FIFA confirmed that Artan would not participate in the tournament.
Artan's exclusion from the World Cup has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by referees from certain regions, particularly those from countries with travel restrictions. His upcoming role in the UEFA Super Cup, however, signifies a recognition of his talent and potential on an international stage.
As the UEFA Super Cup approaches, Artan's officiating will be closely watched, not only for the significance of the match but also for the broader implications it holds for representation in football officiating.